Mice infestation shuts down Pa. Capitol cafeteria

HARRISBURG, Pa. 
The cafeteria in Pennsylvania's Capitol was shut down and workers scoured the facility Friday after health inspectors found evidence of a rodent infestation and dishwashing water that wasn't hot enough.

The ground-floor cafeteria, a popular coffee and lunch spot for visitors to the statehouse and people who work there, was closed Thursday after state Department of Agriculture officials made an unannounced inspection.

"There were mouse droppings around the facility too numerous to mention," said Justin Fleming, a spokesman for the state Agriculture Department.

The droppings, which indicate the presence of live mice, are considered an imminent health risk, Fleming said. A leak that prevented the water in dishwashers from becoming hot enough to sterilize plates and utensils also was considered an imminent threat, he said.

The cafeteria had not been inspected for "at least a couple years," Fleming said.

Aramark Corp., the Philadelphia-based food service company that runs the cafeteria, voluntarily closed it at the request of state inspectors, which is common procedure, Fleming said.

An Aramark spokeswoman, Sarah Jarvis, said the problems were being corrected.

"Our priority is to ensure that the food served at the Capitol building is of the highest quality and prepared (in) the safest environment possible," she said. "We take all violations and suggestions very seriously" and promptly correct any problems.

Under its contract, Aramark pays the state a portion of its net revenue to lease and operate the cafeteria from June 2009 through May 2012. Based on past performance, the cafeteria generates more than $80,000 a year for the state, said Department of General Services spokesman Edward Myslewicz.

Urns of coffee were set up outside the cafeteria as the business day began Friday.

"Please enjoy a complimentary beverage," a sign read.

Just outside the cafeteria, a handful of workers sat in an eating area that is usually bustling.